Word of the Day

A roc is a colossal, mythical bird of prey said to swoop across the sky and pluck elephants from the ground. Tales of the roc made their way from medieval Arabian and Persian lore into the story collection One Thousand and One Nights and even Marco Polo's travel notes. If you thought dragons sounded like fearsome creatures, imagine a roc grabbing one in its talons and carrying it away!

Chartaceous means "papery in texture" — think leaves, petals, or pages that feel light and crisp. Botanists often use the word to describe leaves or grasses with smooth, flat, or thin surfaces. The next time a dried flower petal falls apart when you pick it up, just call it charmingly chartaceous and carry on!

Mugwump is a playful label for someone who's unable to make up their mind on an issue. The term began as a Massachusett word meaning "war leader." Then, in the 1880s, reformers who ditched their party to back Grover Cleveland for president adopted the word, which tends to retain a political bent to this day. When the dinner-table debate starts feeling more like an election campaign, just declare yourself a mugwump and say, "I'll pass."

Gutta-percha is a naturally rubbery resin tapped from a Southeast Asian tree. It rewired the 1800s by insulating the first undersea telegraph cables and even gave early golf balls their nickname, "gutties." This versatile material is still used by dentists around the world as a root canal filling. Gutta-percha is a fun word to know, but keep up with your flossing if you don't want a mouth full of the stuff!

Laudatory describes words packed with admiration and heartfelt approval. It's the kind of adjective publicists sprinkle on blurbs when they want the praise to sound extra polished. Shower someone with laudatory love today — compliments cost nothing but feel priceless.